Psychopharmacological Calvinism

Psychopharmacological Calvinism

by Dr. Ned Hallowell

In yesterday's (6/10/12) New York Times, there was a front-page, above-the-fold commentary on the abuse of stimulant medications by students who are trying to use the drugs to boost their grades. 
 
I don't understand why what is arguably the top paper in the country has such a bias against the use of stimulant medication (this is not the first time the paper has attacked stimulants in an unbalanced way).  Sure, some students who do not have ADHD find ways to get stimulants to improve their grades.  But that is only one part of the story.  

The rest of the story is that these medications, which when used properly are among the safest and most effective medications we have, have changed the lives dramatically for the better of millions of children 

When used properly, these medications are as effective as eyeglasses.  Not a cure to be sure, any more than eyeglasses are, but a very safe and effective means to improve focus.  What's wrong with that?  Would the good people at the NY Times prefer that students with ADHD be forced to squint harder, rather than be able to get their equivalent of eyeglasses?  The Times's position offers a classic example of what one man called "psychopharmacological Calvinism."  

Of course, I favor the proper use of stimulant medication, which means doing all we can to make sure stimulants are prescribed properly and not misused.  But it is wrong only to cite and deplore the misuse, while ignoring the tremendous amount of good these medications do every day around the world.  They turn failing students into successful students, and underachieving adults into people who soar to the top and contribute mightily to the well being of this world.
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Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D.
Web site: drhallowell.com